Benny Hinn Asks Followers for $2.5 Million to Get Out of Debt

Televangelist Benny Hinn has asked supporters of his ministry for $2.5 million in donations, which he says an anonymous donor will match dollar by dollar to help him get out of debt.

"God wants your ministry to be completely out of debt, and I want to plant an anointed seed that will help you take a giant step toward becoming totally debt-free!" says the anonymous man, whom Hinn calls a "long-time and beloved" friend.

"God has laid it on my heart to plant a seed of $2.5 million into your ministry, but God only wants me to make this gift if the ministry partners match the amount within 90 days! I feel so strongly that He wants them to be part of the supernatural wealth transfer that is coming to every believer who will obey God's Word," the man reportedly adds.

Hinn preaches a controversial prosperity gospel teaching and has often told followers that donations would be returned back to them in the form of financial blessings. Benny Hinn Ministries has been investigated by the IRS in the past, and was under a 2007 Senate investigation that delved into the financial dealing of a number of high-profile preachers. The ministry has denied any wrongdoing.

The preacher has been criticized for using his ministry's money to buy a private jet and luxury cars, but the exact state of his finances has been kept under wraps.

Earlier in April, Hinn led a large service in Trinidad and Tobago where the minister apparently asked the thousands in attendance to each give a $100 donation to help pay for the two-day event.

The Texas televangelist has built his ministry around the idea that if people help the Christian Church, including his own, by offering financial support, then God will reward them and even double their fortunes.

"Imagine not dreading going to the mailbox, no bills piling up on your counter, and no calls from collectors coming to your home. God wants to wipe your debt out! Every bit of it ... and in the next 90 days!" Hinn says on his website.